BOATS COST LESS THAN BUYERS THINK

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 21, 1993                   TAG: 9302210095
SECTION: BOAT SHOW                    PAGE: BS-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
BOATS COST LESS THAN BUYERS THINK
How much does it cost to buy a boat?
Maybe less than you think. In fact, maybe even less than last year.
That's one of the messages being touted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association in its "C'mon Aboard" campaign directed at the entry-level power or sail boater.
Stable or slightly falling retail prices coupled to current financing rates and terms have increased the affordability of many popular new boats in time for the late-winter boat show season, the association said.
Here are some examples the association gives, based on current retail prices, 20-percent down payments and average finance rates and terms:
ALUMINUM FISHING BOATS: Prices range $4,640 to $7,370 including an outboard motor. The monthly purchased cost is $123 to $196. Fishing, incidentally, is the No. 1 reason people cite for buying a boat.
SAILBOATS: About $4,500 to $5,600 on average buys a spirited catamaran ready for summer fun. Monthly payments are $118 to $149.
RUNABOUTS: This is America's most popular boat. The cost for a 17- to 19-footer averages $9,480 to $16,110. On a monthly basis, that works out to $148 to $228. Add a trailer for another $1,000 and you can take this rig anywhere for skiing, fishing, cruising.
Shoppers typically believe that the price of owning a boat is 30 percent higher than it really is, the association said.
While financial details are important in determining which boat is best for a family, the No. 1 shopping tip recommended by the association is to determine what the family plans to do on the water. Once that is decided, family members need to set out to find the right model for those needs.
Many models are multifaceted, meaning they can be fishing boats in the morning, ski boats in the afternoon and party boats at dusk.
A "C'mon Aboard Guide" is available from the association at 401 N. Michigan Ave., #1150, Chicago, Ill. 60611.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB